Glue Removal

I always get asked, "How do you remove the glue left behind from a removed decal."

You know the story. You just went some where that was really cool like Sturgis or something, and you just have to get one of those stickers to slap on your bike so that when you are riding back home everyone knows that you are just comming from there. Well, you know what happens. A few weeks later it looks like shit and you want it off.

Never fear. Here's a few solutions.

Let WD-40 do the work for you. Spray WD-40 directly on the residue if possible, or if it's a small area dab on with a cloth. Let stand for a few minutes untill soft - then wipe off with a cloth. Repeat if needed. A teflon spatula or a old credit card works as a scrapper if needed.

Try mineral spirits. Take a soft paper towel or cloth and soak it with mineral spirits. Lay the cloth on the glue you want removed. Give it about five minutes. You'll find it wipes right off. If the decal was on chrome - use a little chrome polish to remove any outline that remains.

You can use alcohol to clean up the excess glue. No, not the type you drink - although that might work - but rubbing alcohol.

If you are working on an unpainted area, get a small can of acetone from your local hardware, paint or home building supply store. Wet a paper towel or shop rag with the acetone. Hold wet rag on the sticker for a few seconds to allow the liquid acetone to soak thru. Wipe off the sticker and the adhesive with a rag. The acetone works great on chrome for removing stickers & adhesive residues. Wear a rubber (dishwashing type is fine) glove to keep the acetone off your skin.

Remove Glue

Heat it up with a hair dryer, and gently start to work the edges loose. It may get a little gooey - what's left clean as above. Use a good wax with a cleaner to clean the area.

Xenit makes a good glue remover.

How to wash your motorcycle.

Now you are ready to wax your motorcycle.